Mail Tribune 100, June 12, 1921

Alissa Corman, Mail Tribune, Medford, Ore.
·2 min read

Jun. 12—June 12, 1921

HOME MADE STILL SEIZED IN ASHLAND, OWNER IS JAILED UNDER $5,000 BONDS

Ashland, June 11. — A key with a suspicious mark inside, a teakettle, and a gallon or so of home brew fortified by more alcohol content than the law allows, were mute evidences of an illicit still discovered on the premises of Harry Ballenger, Southern Pacific switchman, at the family premises, 361 Mountain Avenue. The find was made by the police department on Friday morning, Ballenger being arrested and jailed.

At a preliminary hearing before Justice Gowdy, that official went the limit as to bail required, setting the amount at $5,000. In connection with this seizure a complete still equipment is lacking, notably the coil or "worm," which could not be found. This is an important adjunct in the distillation process, and search is being made for the "missing link" both literally and figuratively.

The mash recovered had an odor voltage sufficient to paralyze a camel at forty rods.

Several sporting periodicals are making a specialty of advertising stills to be used ostensibly for distilling water for household purposes, but the equipment confiscated on this occasion was so simple and crude that it bore no earmarks of having been manufactured for the trade in general.

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Ballenger was sentenced Friday to a fine of $200 and costs and six months in jail, but the jail sentence was remitted during good behavior.

SUMMER DRINKS MADE IN MEDFORD

With the warm days comes the desire for some choice summer drinks by all the members of the family and the custom of buying the same by the case is becoming popular. The Jackson County Creamery is operating a modern plant in the city, are making and bottling these choice drinks and delivering them any place in the city: Graylo, Whistle, A-Porter, Champagne Velvet.

They also make a Lithia water, that is pure and healthful and is also delivered by the case.

"With Medford Trade is Medford Made." Order a case and be healthful and happy.

GAS INCREASES TRIGONIA WELL DEPTH 1,245 FT.

The Trigonia well is now at an approximate depth of 1,245 feet. The men have drilled steadily throughout the week without interruption in the hardest formation yet encountered, a dark gray sand, very sharp and which has sharpened with depth.

The last three days has brought a considerable increase in the gas, which is now readily discernible in a rising vapor from the sludge pit when the bailer is emptied. The oil showing now has changed color to a greenish amber, showing much more life. It is interesting to note that the well is now approximately at the same depth as the Cat Creek, Montana pay sand. No drilling Sunday.

— Alissa Corman; acorman@rosebudmedia.com